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M. Karlicky

Publications and source records attributed to M. Karlicky.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Narrowband spikes observed during the 13 June 2012 flare in the 800-2000 MHz range

Narrowband (~5 MHz) and short-lived (~0.01 s) spikes with three different distributions on the 800-2000 MHz radio spectrum of the 13 June 2012 flare are detected and analyzed. We designate them as SB (spikes distributed in broad band or bands), SZ (spikes distributed in zebra-like bands) and SBN (spikes distributed in broad and narrow bands). Analyzing AIA/SDO images of the active region NOAA 11504, a rough correspondence between groups of the spikes observed on 1000 MHz and peaks in the time profiles of AIA channels taken from the flare sub-area close to the leading sunspot is found. Among types of spikes the SZ type is the most interesting because it resembles to zebras. Therefore, using auto-correlation and cross-correlation methods we compare SZ and SBN spikes with the typical zebra observed in the same frequency range. While the ratio of SZ band frequencies with their frequency separation (220 MHz) is about 4, 5 and 6, in the zebra the frequency stripe separation is about 24 MHz and the ratio is around 50. Moreover, the bandwidth of SZ bands, which consists of clouds of narrowband spikes, is much broader than that of zebra stripes. This comparison indicates that SZ spikes are generated different way than the zebra, but similar way as SBN spikes. We successfully fit the SZ band frequencies by the Bernstein modes. Based on this fitting we interpret SZ and SBN spikes as those generated in the model with Bernstein modes. Thus, the magnetic field and plasma density in the SZ spike source is estimated as about 79 G and 8.4x10^9 cm-3, respectively.

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Shock-wave radio probing of solar wind sources in coronal magnetic fields

The Space Weather effects in the near-Earth environment as well as in atmospheres of other terrestrial planets arise by corpuscular radiation from the Sun, known as the solar wind. The solar magnetic fields govern the solar corona structure. Magnetic-field strength values in the solar wind sources - key information for modeling and forecasting the Space Weather climate - are derived from various solar space- and ground-based observations, but, so far not accounting for specific types of radio bursts. These are "fractured" type II radio bursts attributed to collisions of shock waves with coronal structures emitting the solar wind. Here, we report about radio observations of two "fractured" type II bursts to demonstrate a novel tool for probing of magnetic field variations in the solar wind sources. These results have direct impact on interpretations of this class of bursts and contribute to the current studies of the solar wind emitters.

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The 2017 September 6 Flare: Radio Bursts and Pulsations in the 22-5000 MHz Range and Associated Phenomena

For the 2017 September 6 flare (SOL2017-Sep-06T11:53) we present not only unusual radio bursts, but also their interesting time association with the other flare phenomena observed in EUV, white-light, X-ray, and $\gamma$-ray emissions. Using our new method based on wavelets we found quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) in several locations of the whole time-frequency domain of the analyzed radio spectrum (11:55-12:07 UT and 22-5000 MHz). Among them the drifting QPPs are new and the most interesting, especially a bi-directional QPP at the time of the hard X-ray and $\gamma$-ray peaks, and a sunquake start. In the pre-impulsive phase we show an unusual drifting pulsation structure (DPS) in association with the EUV brightenings caused by the interaction of magnetic ropes. In the flare impulsive phase we found an exceptional radio burst drifting from 5000 MHz to 800 MHz. In connection with this drifting burst, we show a U-burst at about the onset time of an EUV writhed structure and a drifting radio burst as a signature of a shock wave at high frequencies (1050-1350 MHz). In the peak flare phase we found an indication of an additional energy-release process located at higher altitudes in the solar atmosphere. These phenomena are interpreted considering a rising magnetic rope, magnetosonic waves and particle beams. Using a density model we estimated the density, wave velocities and source heights for the bi-directionally drifting QPPs, the density for the pre-impulsive DPS and U-burst, and the density and magnetic field strength for the drifting radio burst.

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Drifting Pulsation Structure at the Very Beginning of the 2017 September 10 Limb Flare

Drifting pulsation structures (DPSs) are important radio fine structures usually observed at the beginning of eruptive solar flares. It has been suggested that DPSs carry important information on the energy release processes in solar flares. We study DPS observed in an X8.2-class flare on 2017 September 10 in the context of spatial and spectral diagnostics provided by microwave, EUV, and X-ray observations. We describe DPS and its sub-structures that were observed for the first time. We use a new wavelet technique to reveal characteristic periods in DPS and their frequency bands. Comparing the periods of pulsations found in this DPS with those in previous DPSs we found new very short periods in the 0.09-0.15 s range. We present EOVSA images and spectra of microwave sources observed during the DPS. This DPS at its very beginning has pulsations in two frequency bands (1000-1300 MHz and 1600--1800 MHz) which are interconnected by fast drifting bursts. We show that these double-band pulsations started just at the moment when the ejected filament splits apart in a tearing motion at the location where a signature of the flare current sheetlater appeared. Using the standard flare model and previous observations of DPSs, we interpret these double-band pulsations as a radio signature of superthermal electrons trapped in the rising magnetic rope and flare arcade at the moment when the flare magnetic reconnection starts. The results are discussed in a scenario with the plasmoid in the rising magnetic rope.

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Oscillations and Waves in Radio Source of Drifting Pulsation Structures

Drifting pulsation structures (DPSs) are considered to be radio signatures of the plasmoids formed during magnetic reconnection in the impulsive phase of solar flares. In the present paper we analyze oscillations and waves in seven examples of drifting pulsation structures, observed by the 800-2000 MHz Ondrejov radiospectrograph. For their analysis we use a new type of oscillation maps which give us a much more information about processes in DPSs than that in previous analyzes. Based on these oscillation maps, made from radio spectra by the wavelet technique, we recognized quasi-periodic oscillations with periods ranging from about 1 to 108 s in all studied DPSs. This strongly supports the idea that DPSs are generated during a fragmented magnetic reconnection. Phases of most the oscillations in DPSs, especially for the period around 1 s, are synchronized ("infinite" frequency drift) in the whole frequency range of DPSs. For longer periods in some DPSs we found that the phases of the oscillations drift with the frequency drift in the interval from -17 to +287 MHz\s. We propose that these drifting phases can be caused (a) by the fast or slow magnetosonic waves generated during the magnetic reconnection and propagating through the plasmoid, (b) by a quasi-periodic structure in the plasma inflowing to the reconnection forming a plasmoid, and (c) by a quasi-periodically varying reconnection rate in the X-point of the reconnection close to the plasmoid.

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Oscillations in the 45-5000 MHz Radio Spectrum of the 18 April 2014 Flare

Using a new type of oscillation map, made from the radio spectra by the wavelet technique, we study the 18 April 2014 M7.3 flare (SOL2014-04-18T13:03:00L245C017). We find a quasi-periodic character of this flare with periods in the range 65-115 seconds. At the very beginning of this flare, in connection with the drifting pulsation structure (plasmoid ejection) we find the 65-115 s oscillation phase drifting slowly towards lower frequencies, which indicates an upward propagating wave initiated at the start of the magnetic reconnection. In the drifting pulsation structure many periods (1-200 seconds) are found documenting multi-scale and multi-periodic processes. On this drifting structure fiber bursts with a characteristic period of about one second are superimposed, whose frequency drift is similar to that of the drifting 65-115 s oscillation phase. We also check periods found in this flare by EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS)/Hinode and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) observations. We recognize the type III bursts (electron beams) as proposed, but their time coincidence with the EIS and IRIS peaks is not very good. This is probably due to the radio spectrum beeing a whole-disk record consisting of all bursts from any location while the EIS and IRIS peaks are emitted only from locations of slits in the EIS and IRIS observations.

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Oscillation Maps in the Broadband Radio Spectrum of the 1 August 2010 Event

We search for indications of waves in the 25-2000 MHz radio spectrum of the 1 August 2010 event (SOL2010-08-01T08:57:00L075C013), where fast propagating waves in the solar corona with the periods of 181, 69, and 40 seconds were detected in UV observations. Using the wavelet technique we construct a new type of map of oscillations for selected periods in the whole domain of the radio spectrum. While the oscillation with the period of 181 seconds was recognized in the whole 25-2000 MHz radio spectrum, oscillations with periods of 69 and 40 seconds were confirmed only in the 250-870 MHz frequency range. In the 800-2000 MHz range we found periods of 50 and 80 seconds. Moreover, in the 250-870 MHz frequency range, the oscillation with the period of about 420 seconds was detected. We also made maps of phases of the 181-second oscillations in order to analyze their frequency drift. At the beginning of the radio event, in the 2000-500 MHz frequency range the phase of the 181-second oscillation drifts towards lower frequencies. On the other hand, at frequencies 25-500 MHz we found that the phase is nearly synchronous. While the phase drift at higher frequencies can be interpreted as being caused by the UV wave, the synchronization of the phase on lower frequencies is explained by the fast-electron beams, whose acceleration is modulated by the UV wave. Owing to this modulation, the electron beams are accelerated with the period of the UV wave (181 seconds). These beams propagate upwards through the solar corona and generate the 25-500 MHz radio emission with the 181-second period. Due to high beam velocity (~c/3, where c is the light speed) the 25-500 MHz radio emission, corresponding to a large interval of heights in the solar corona, is nearly synchronous.

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Torsional oscillations and observed rotational period variations in early-type stars

Some chemically peculiar stars in the upper main sequence show rotational period variations of unknown origin. We propose these variations are a consequence of the propagation of internal waves in magnetic rotating stars that lead to the torsional oscillations of the star. We simulate the magnetohydrodynamic waves and calculate resonant frequencies for two stars that show rotational variations: CU Vir and HD 37776. We provide updated analyses of rotational period variations in these stars and compare our results with numerical models. For CU Vir, the length of the observed rotational-period cycle, $\mathit\Pi=67.6(5)$ yr, can be well reproduced by the models, which predict a cycle length of 51 yr. However, for HD 37776, the observed lower limit of the cycle length, $\mathit\Pi\geq100$ yr, is significantly longer than the numerical models predict. We conclude that torsional oscillations provide a reasonable explanation at least for the observed period variations in CU Vir.

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Flares on A-type stars: Evidence for heating of solar corona by nanoflares?

We analyzed the occurrence rates of flares on stars of spectral types K, G, F, and A, observed by Kepler. We found that the histogram of occurrence frequencies of stellar flares is systematically shifted towards a high-energy tail for A-type stars compared to stars of cooler spectral types. We extrapolated the fitted power laws towards flares with smaller energies (nanoflares) and made estimates for total energy flux to stellar atmospheres by flares. We found that for A-type stars the total energy flux density was at least 4-times smaller than for G-stars. We speculate that this deficit in energy supply may explain the lack of hot coronae on A-type stars. Our results indicate an importance of nanoflares for heating and formation of the solar corona.

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Numerical RHD simulations of flaring chromosphere with Flarix

Flarix is a radiation-hydrodynamical (RHD) code for modeling of the response of the chromosphere to a beam bombardment during solar flares. It solves the set of hydrodynamic conservation equations coupled with non-LTE equations of radiative transfer. The simulations are driven by high energy electron beams. We present results of the Flarix simulations of a flaring loop relevant to the problem of continuum radiation during flares. In particular we focus on properties of the hydrogen Balmer continuum which was recently detected by IRIS.

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Sources of Quasi-Periodic Pulses in the 18 August 2012 Flare

We analyzed spatial and spectral characteristics of quasi-periodic pulses (QPP) for the 18 August 2012 limb are, using new data from a complex of spectral and imaging instruments developed by the Siberian Solar Radio Telescope team and the Wind/Konus gamma-ray spectrometer. A sequence of broadband pulses with periods of approximately ten seconds were observed in X-rays at energies between 25 keV and 300 keV, and in microwaves at frequencies from a few GHz up to 34 GHz during an interval of one minute. The QPP X-ray source was located slightly above the limb where the south legs of large and small EUV loop systems were close to each other. Before the QPPs the soft X-ray emission and the Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager signal from the energy channels below 25 keV were gradually arising for several minutes at the same location. It was found that each X-ray pulse showed the soft-hard-soft behavior. The 17 and 34 GHz microwave source were at footpoints of the small loop system and the source emitting in the 4.2 {7.4 GHz band in the large one. The QPPs were probably generated by modulation of acceleration processes in the energy release site. Analyzing radio spectra we determined the plasma parameters in the radio sources. The microwave pulses could be explained by relatively weak variations of the spectrum hardness of emitting electrons.

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Comparison of 30 THz impulsive burst time development to microwaves, H-alpha, EUV, and GOES soft X-rays

The recent discovery of impulsive solar burst emission in the 30 THz band is raising new interpretation challenges. One event associated with a GOES M2 class flare has been observed simultaneously in microwaves, H-alpha, EUV, and soft X-ray bands. Although these new observations confirm some features found in the two prior known events, they exhibit time profile structure discrepancies between 30 THz, microwaves, and hard X-rays (as inferred from the Neupert effect). These results suggest a more complex relationship between 30 THz emission and radiation produced at other wavelength ranges. The multiple frequency emissions in the impulsive phase are likely to be produced at a common flaring site lower in the chromosphere. The 30 THz burst emission may be either part of a nonthermal radiation mechanism or due to the rapid thermal response to a beam of high-energy particles bombarding the dense solar atmosphere.

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Solar science with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array - A new view of our Sun

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a new powerful tool for observing the Sun at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. These capabilities can address a broad range of fundamental scientific questions in solar physics. The radiation observed by ALMA originates mostly from the chromosphere - a complex and dynamic region between the photosphere and corona, which plays a crucial role in the transport of energy and matter and, ultimately, the heating of the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Based on first solar test observations, strategies for regular solar campaigns are currently being developed. State-of-the-art numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere and modeling of instrumental effects can help constrain and optimize future observing modes for ALMA. Here we present a short technical description of ALMA and an overview of past efforts and future possibilities for solar observations at submillimeter and millimeter wavelengths. In addition, selected numerical simulations and observations at other wavelengths demonstrate ALMA's scientific potential for studying the Sun for a large range of science cases.

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SSALMON - The Solar Simulations for the Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network

The Solar Simulations for the Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network (SSALMON) was initiated in 2014 in connection with two ALMA development studies. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a powerful new tool, which can also observe the Sun at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. The international SSALMONetwork aims at coordinating the further development of solar observing modes for ALMA and at promoting scientific opportunities for solar physics with particular focus on numerical simulations, which can provide important constraints for the observing modes and can aid the interpretation of future observations. The radiation detected by ALMA originates mostly in the solar chromosphere - a complex and dynamic layer between the photosphere and corona, which plays an important role in the transport of energy and matter and the heating of the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Potential targets include active regions, prominences, quiet Sun regions, flares. Here, we give a brief overview over the network and potential science cases for future solar observations with ALMA.

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Particle Acceleration In Plasmoid Ejections Derived From Radio Drifting Pulsating Structures

We report observations of slowly drifting pulsating structures (DPS) in the 0.8-4.5 GHz frequency range of the RT4 and RT5 radio spectrographs at Ondrejov observatory, between 2002 and 2012. We found 106 events of drifting pulsating structures, which we classified into 4 cases: (I) single events with a constant frequency drift [12 events], (II) multiple events occurring in the same flare with constant frequency drifts [11 events], (III) single or multiple events with increasing or decreasing frequency drift rates [52 events], and (IV) complex events containing multiple events occurring at the same time in the different frequency range [31 events]. Many DPSs are associated with hard X-ray bursts (15-25 keV) and soft X-ray gradient peaks, as they typically occurred at the beginning of the hard X-ray peaks. This indicates that DPS events are related to the processes of fast energy release and particle acceleration. Furthermore, interpreting DPSs as signatures of plasmoids, we measured their ejection velocity, their width and their height from the DPS spectra, from which we also estimated the reconnection rate and the plasma beta. In this interpretation, constant frequency drift indicates a constant velocity of a plasmoid, and an increasing/decreasing frequency drift indicates a deceleration/acceleration of a plasmoid ejection. The reconnection rate shows a good positive correlation with the plasmoid velocity. Finally we confirmed that some DPS events show plasmoid counterparts in AIA/SDO images.

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Self-consistent stationary MHD shear flows in the solar atmosphere as electric field generators

Magnetic fields and flows in coronal structures, for example, in gradual phases in flares, can be described by 2D and 3D magnetohydrostatic (MHS) and steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria. Within a physically simplified, but exact mathematical model, we study the electric currents and corresponding electric fields generated by shear flows. Starting from exact and analytically calculated magnetic potential fields, we solveid the nonlinear MHD equations self-consistently. By applying a magnetic shear flow and assuming a nonideal MHD environment, we calculated an electric field via Faraday's law. The formal solution for the electromagnetic field allowed us to compute an expression of an effective resistivity similar to the collisionless Speiser resistivity. We find that the electric field can be highly spatially structured, or in other words, filamented. The electric field component parallel to the magnetic field is the dominant component and is high where the resistivity has a maximum. The electric field is a potential field, therefore, the highest energy gain of the particles can be directly derived from the corresponding voltage. In our example of a coronal post-flare scenario we obtain electron energies of tens of keV, which are on the same order of magnitude as found observationally. This energy serves as a source for heating and acceleration of particles.

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Statistics and Classification of the Microwave Zebra Patterns Associated with Solar Flares

The microwave zebra pattern (ZP) is the most interesting, intriguing, and complex spectral structure frequently observed in solar flares. A comprehensive statistical study will certainly help us to understand the formation mechanism, which is not exactly clear now. This work presents a comprehensive statistical analysis on a big sample with 202 ZP events collected from observations at the Chinese Solar Broadband Radio Spectrometer at Huairou and the Ondrejov Radiospectrograph in Czech Republic at frequencies of 1.00 - 7.60 GHz during 2000 - 2013. After investigating the parameter properties of ZPs, such as the occurrence in flare phase, frequency range, polarization degree, duration, etc., we find that the variation of zebra stripe frequency separation with respect to frequency is the best indicator for a physical classification of ZPs. Microwave ZPs can be classified into 3 types: equidistant ZP, variable-distant ZP, and growing-distant ZP, possibly corresponding to mechanisms of Bernstein wave model, whistler wave model, and double plasma resonance model, respectively. This statistical classification may help us to clarify the controversies between the existing various theoretical models, and understand the physical processes in the source regions.

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Fast magnetoacoustic waves in a fan structure above the coronal magnetic null point

We analyze the 26 November 2005 solar radio event observed interferometrically at frequencies of 244 and 611 MHz by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune, India. These observations are used to make interferometric maps of the event at both frequencies with the time cadence of 1 s from 06:50 to 07:12 UT. These maps reveal several radio sources. The light curves of these sources show that only two sources at 244 MHz and 611 MHz are well correlated in time. The EUV flare is more localized with flare loops located rather away from the radio sources. Using the SoHO/MDI observations and potential magnetic field extrapolation we demonstrate that both the correlated sources are located in the fan structure of magnetic field lines starting from a coronal magnetic null point. Wavelet analysis of the light curves of the radio sources detects tadpoles with periods in the range P = 10-83 s. These wavelet tadpoles indicate the presence of fast magnetoacoustic waves that propagate in the fan structure of the coronal magnetic null point. We estimate the plasma parameters in the studied radio sources and find them consistent with the presented scenario involving the coronal magnetic null point.

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